by Jim Hajny, Executive Director
July 1, 2025
The certified behavioral health peer support specialist workforce has faced many challenges since its inception 8 years ago. We fought to establish ourselves in the behavioral health system, we have had to educate and inform the public, and we have had to grow the workforce. MPN has been training peer supporters since 2015 long before certification went into effect in 2018. The basis for the training then and now is the National Practice Standards from SAMHSA. We have trained more than one thousand peer supporters during the last ten years which has provided us with a unique perspective on the workforce. We are not new to the game as are some of the other trainers. Nor are we from out of state here to get wealthy, then disappear after we get a check. We want to see a strong behavioral health peer support workforce now and into the future. In order to do that there needs to be a platform for identifying and addressing the issues. Montana lacks that platform. One that is free from outside influence. At MPN, we have tried many times over the years to participate in such an effort only for it to get corrupted, forcing us to step away. In this article I have broken down the most notable challenges in the behavioral health peer support workforce and some possible solutions.
Recovery experience
This is probably not a fixable challenge. Yet, it needs to be mentioned. There is a large difference between say the role of a sponsor in a 12-step program and a CBHPSS. The move to professionalism requires training, ethics, confidentiality and overall wellness. Sponsorship does not. Yet, this is where many CBHPSS come from. In the role of a CBHPSS we can offer many tools for recovery, not just one. Drop-in centers for example have difficulty finding qualified staff to employ, either the candidate doesn’t have enough time in recovery or is too fixed on one pathway. An effective CBHPSS needs stability, this is difficult work at times. Far too many peer supporters do not have the healthy foundation of recovery.
Training competencies
There are a number of 40 hour training courses approved by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health. Most are lacking and one should question how they ever got approved. For example, one is completely virtual and has no instruction on working in Montana. Another one is only for substance use peer support, despite Montana having a behavioral health focus on both mental health and substance use. MPN has been training for peer supporters since 2015 following the national standards outlined by SAMHSA and is also approved through the Veterans Administration. The MT Board of Behavioral Health needs to regulate the training curriculum they have approved.
Lack of sustainable funding
Despite there being millions of dollars available for peer support services funding is an issue due to the limited nature of availability. There is an effort underway to expand provider types for peer support Medicaid funding so maybe this will change soon. Private insurance (BCBS of MT) is making no effort to include peer support in its billable service array. Even though Minnesota BCBS approved it in 2024. This is the one area that needs strong advocacy here in Montana. Another challenge in this area is where organizations who cannot bill for peer support seek other service roles such as community health workers, behavioral health techs, life coaches instead of CBHPSS. This limits the number of peer supporters statewide because they are being replaced by other roles that are fundable.
Non recovery culture
Many behavioral health organizations across the state still do not embrace peer support services or support a recovery culture. Without a positive, healing environment peer support staff will not survive. Organizations need to start within before adding individuals in recovery. A culture that supports health and wellness. Most organizations are overworking their staff and lack a focus on their well being. If peer support staff are added to a medication-based culture of treatment it rarely works. Treatment is not recovery. Recovery is a person’s whole life not a check list for a specific amount of time. Support is an action itself. Recovery requires action too. A handful of former CBHPSS have moved forward on their career path to become licensed counselors. This is the best way to change the culture within behavioral health organizations. Fill them with professionals in recovery.
Lack of mental health support
The workforce lacks CBHPSS who have a recovery journey in mental health. At one time there was a mentoring program at Montana State Hospital, but it was ended right about the time certification went into effect. MPN was part of shaping that program. Most of the peer supporters who come through MPN’s training have a background in substance use with criminal justice backgrounds. This is being promoted within the justice system but not within mental health. We need more balance and finding the right fit for a CBHPSS plays a crucial role. A peer supporters lived experience should match their organization.
These are just a few of the challenges facing the CBHPSS workforce. In addition to this article, visit our training platform for a full presentation on this topic. Where I go in depth on each of the challenges and possible solutions. My hope is that we can work cohesively to address these challenges and find positive solutions. My fear is that peer supporters are overtaken and become part of the broken behavioral health system we in the recovery movement are advocating to change.